Hlanganani Africa Unite

Based: Cape Town

Hlanganani translated into English means “To come together” or “unite”. The Xhosa homeland comprises of many different Xhosa tribes. The musicians of Hlanganani dress in tradition clothing and body painting native to their respective tribes, this attire can be worn to any traditional gathering or ceremony. The clothing represents their heritage and pride of their tribes.

From the music grassroots of Cape Town, The Langa Township homes many different Xhosa people from many different Xhosa tribes. These Xhosa people descend, from the Xhosa homelands in the Eastern Cape, to Cape Town looking for work.
Langa is Cape Towns’ first Black Township originating in 1927. Brenda Fassie, a world reknown musician hails from this township.

Hlanganani encapsulates the true spirit of Marimba and African dancing. The rhythms of the xylophone, bongo and cow bell accompanied by dancing, makes Hlanganani music see when visiting Cape Town. Upon first sight, you are gifted with a spectacle of sound and colour. You cannot stop to smile by their passion and exuberance for life. What makes these boys so special is that they have steered away from commercial mainstream music.

Hlanganani currently play their music in the streets of the V&A Waterfront. You can see them on the corner of the NSRI dock and the Waterfront Hotel. They play in different slots throughout summer. Some days the early set (being 11am to 4pm) and other days the later set (4pm to 10pm). Hlanganani generate no money from their music at the waterfront. They rely on peoples donations and buying their CDs. Their dream is to take their music onto the international stage however, the first task at hand is to play at the Cape Town international Jazz festival.